Fume washer housing

ABSTRACT

A fume washer comprises a hollow body formed of synthetic plastic material. The fume washer is initially rotomolded in onepiece which is then cut into first and second structural members. One structural member has an outlet which may be positioned either horizontally or vertically. Demister padding is supported between grids within the hollow body. A water spray wets the demister padding while fumes are blown through the demister padding to remove pollutants from the fumes.

o l ,1 1 01 United States set 11 1 111] 3,77,

Klu man 01 20 1973 [54] FlUMlE WASHER HOUSING 3,006,436 10/1961 Starbucket al /512 3,406,498 10/1968 Wisting 261/117 Invent: W mugman, Cuyamga,3,596,440 8/1971 Nutter 55/475 Ohm 3,693,410 9 1972 Robrecht et al. 55511 [73] ASSlghEBZ The Ceilcote Company, line, Berea, FOREGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS Ohm 1,199,021 7 1970 Great Britain 55 495 [22] Filed: Apr.23, 1971 Primary Examiner-Remand Nozick 42 [211 App] No 136,8AttorneyMeyer, Tilberry & Body,

[52] U.S. Cl 55/503, 55550253136 5555/750146, [57] ABSTRACT 51 Int. Cl.0010 47/06 A fume Washer Comprises a hollow y formed of 5 Field ofSearch 5 5 /84 35, 89, 93 95 synthetic plastic material. The fume washeris initially 55 220 227 22 233 259 47 4 1 495 rotomolded in One-piecewhich is then cut into first 502, 503, 504, 510, 511, 516, 512, 518; andsecond structural members. One structural mem- 220/88 A, 4 E, 4 261/9793, 100 ber has an outlet which may be positioned either hori- 210/446 4477, 285/183 184 zontally or vertically. Demister padding is supportedbetween grids within the hollow body. A water spray 5 References Citedwets the demister padding while fumes are blown UNITED STATES PATENTSthrough the demister padding to remove pollutants from the fumes.1,703,440 2/1929 Duke 210/445 2,163,600 6/1939 How 55/480 13 Claims, 21Drawing Figures PATENTEDnuv'an 1915 3,772,858

INVENTOR. WARREN L. KLUGMAN ATTORNEYS PATENTEDMWZO I915 3772.858

SHEET 2 [If S FIG. 6 52 66 62 7 INVENTOR.

WARREN L KLUGMAN BY Mew, 7M 22 Edy ATTORNEYS PATENTEI] NOV 20 I973 SHEET3 BF 5 FIG. I4

INVENTOR.

WARREN L. KLUGMAN Mew, 7M 8 8d? ATTORNEYS PMFNTEDNUVPO I975 3772.858

sum u CF 5 INVENTOR.

WARREN L. KLUGMAN BY Mex w, 7116M Z 80% ATTORNEYS PAIENTEDNUWMQB3,772,858

SHEET SEF 5 FIG. I9

INVENTOR. WARREN L. KLUGMAN BY Ma a, 7% 5: 80%;

ATTORNEYS FUME WASHER nousmo BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thisapplication pertains to the art of air pollution control and moreparticularly to liquid-gas contact apparatus for removing pollutantsfrom air. The invention is particularly applicable to liquid-gas contactapparatus for washing fumes and will be described with particularreference thereto although it will be appreciated that the invention hasbroader applications and may be used in other environments.

Air pollutants commonly occurring in industrial areas include thefollowing: noxious gases which normally exist in a vapor state such aschlorine or sulfur dioxide; liquid entrainment such as large size liquidparticles created by sprays or bubbling; mists in the form of liquidparticles resulting from condensation of molecules from the vapor statesuch as sulfuric acid vapor condensing to sulfuric acid mist; dusts ofsolid particles formed by grinding or disintegration of solid materials;fumes of solid particles formed by condensation, sublimation, oroxidation of metallic vapors such as zinc oxide fumes; and entrainedparticles of mists, liquids, dusts or fumes which are conveyed in an airstream through an exhaust ventilation system. Pollutants of the typedescribed are commonly removed from an air stream through a liquid-gascontact apparatus. Apparatus of this type is often referred to as an airscrubber or a fume washer. Such apparatus includes a large receptaclecontaining demister padding or packing. Water is sprayed onto thedemister padding or packing while the polluted air stream is blownthrough the demister padding or packing. Pollutants of the typedescribed are absorbed or diffused into the liquid as the polluted airstream passes through and around the demister padding or packing whichis wetted by the liquid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The liquid-gas contact apparatus of the presentinvention is intended primarily as a fume washer for removing entrainedliquid particles from exhaust air streams although it will beappreciated that it may be used for removing other pollutants of thetype previously described. The improved fume washer of the presentinvention is particularly advantageous for use in the metal finishingindustry where high efficiency entrainment separation is necessary.

The improved fume washer of the present invention is preferablyrotomolded in one-piece of synthetic plastic material to form a hollowbody. Rotomolding the hollow body of synthetic plastic material providesan extremely smooth interior surface which offers a minimum of airresistance. After being rotomolded in onepiece, the hollow body istrimmed and cut into first and second structural members.

The first structural member has a substantially horizontal base bottomwall and an upwardly extending peripheral wall. A substantiallyhorizontal duct extends outwardly from the peripheral wall above thebase bottom wall on one side of the first structural member. Thehorizontal duct on the first structural member terminates in an inletopening having a peripheral edge which lies in a substantially verticalfirst plane. The first structural member also includes an enlargedopening located opposite the duct and inlet opening. This enlargedopening has a peripheral edge which lies in a second phase extending atsubstantially 45 to the vertical first plane and to the base bottomwall.

The second structural member includes a second duct having an enlargedopening substantially symmetrical with respect to the enlarged openingon the first structural member. The enlarged opening on the secondstructural member has a peripheral edge secured to the peripheral edgeof the enlarged opening on the first structural member. The secondstructural member includes an outlet opening having a peripheral edgelying in a third plane which extends at substantially 45 with respect tothe second plane. The second structural member may be connected to thefirst structural member with the axis of the outlet opening extendingeither horizontally or vertically.

In accordance with a preferred arrangement, at least one of the first orsecond structural members is provided with a pocket adjacent theenlarged opening therein for receiving demister padding and supportgrids for the demister padding.

In accordance with another arrangement, the first and second structuralmembers have polygonal surfaces which make the structural members morerigid and resistant to deformation.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a grid member forsupporting demister padding includes a plurality of spaced-apart ribswhich extend horizontally when positioned in the fume washer. The ribsare elongated in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the enlargedopenings on the first and second structural members and act as turningvanes to uniformly distribute the air stream throughout the demisterpadding.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improvedliquid-gas contact apparatus which is more economical to manufacture andinstall than previous arrangements.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a liquid-gascontact apparatus which is very efficient in operation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedliquid-gas contact apparatus which can be installed with vertical orhorizontal outlet air flow.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improvedgrid member for use in a liquid-gas contact apparatus.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide animproved liquid-gas contact apparatus having a grid member forsupporting demister padding and arranged to uniformly distribute the airstream throughout the demister padding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The invention may take physical form incertain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of whichwill be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a fume washer constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a fume washerconstructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view looking in the direction of arrows 3-3of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view looking in the direction FIG. 5 is across-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows 6-6of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows 7-7of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows 88of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows 9-9of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows10-10 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows11-11 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows12-12 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows13-13 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of another form of a fume washerconstructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the fume washer ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows17-17 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a grid member used with the fume washer ofFIG. 15 and looking in the direction of arrows 18-18 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows19-19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view looking in the direction of arrows20-20 of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the improved fume washer body ofthe present invention immediately after it has been rotomolded inone-piece and prior to being trimmed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings,wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferredembodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same,FIG. 1 shows an improved fume washer A constructed in accordance withthe present invention. Fume washer A is constructed of synthetic plasticmaterial such as ABS which is a combination of acrylonitrile, butadieneand styrene. Fume washer A may also be constructed of polyethylene orany other synthetic plastic material capable of being rotomolded, andhaving sufficient rigidity and corrosion resistance for use in a fumewashing environment.

Fume washer A is in the form ofa hollow body which includes a hollowbase portion B defining a first structural member having a substantiallyhorizontal base bottom wall 10 and an upwardly extending peripheral wall12. A substantially horizontal duct 14 extends outwardly from peripheralwall 12 above base bottom wall 10 on one side of base portion B.Horizontal duct 14 terminates in an inlet opening 16 having a peripheraledge 18 lying in a substantially vertical first plane 20. As best shownin FIG. 9, base portion D includes an enlarged opening C locatedopposite duct 14 and opening 16. Enlarged opening C has inner and outerperipheral edges 21 and 22 lying in a second plane 24 which extends atsubstantially 45 to vertical first plane 20, and to horizontal plane 26in which base portion 10 lies.

The hollow body defining fume washer A further includes a second ductmember D defining a second structural member having an enlarged openingE, as best shown in FIG. 13, which is substantially symmetrical withrespect to enlarged opening C on base portion B. Enlarged opening E onsecond structural member D has inner and outer peripheral edges 27 and28 which are secured in facing relationship to peripheral edges 21 and22 of enlarged opening C on first structural member B. Peripheral edges27 and 28 of enlarged opening E on second structural member D also liesubstantially in plane 24. Second structural member D includes an outletopening 30 having a peripheral edge 32 lying in a third plane 34 whichextends at substantially 45 with respect to second plane 24. As shown inFIG. 9, enlarged opening C on base portion B is symmetrical on oppositesides of a transverse line 36. As shown in FIG. 13, enlarged opening Eis also symmetrical on opposite sides ofa transverse line 38. Peripheraledges 22 and 28 of enlarged openings C and E are also of substantiallythe same size and shape. With such an arrangement, duct member D may bepositioned with its longitudinal axis 40 extending either horizontallyas shown in FIG. 1, or extending vertically simply by rotating ductmember D 180. In either position, where longitudinal axis 40 of opening30 extends either horizontally or vertically, plane 34 extends atsubstantially 45 degrees to plane 24.

In accordance with a preferred arrangement, at least one of first andsecond structural members B and D includes a pocket duct. In thearrangement shown and described, base portion B has the product ductwhich includes a peripheral duct wall 42 having a substantially uniformcross-sectional area and shape throughout its length. Peripheral edge 21of enlarged opening C on base portion B defines one end edge of thepocket duct, while the other end of the pocket duct has supportingshoulders 44, 46, 48 and 50 projecting substantially radially inwardtherefrom. With this arrangement, an I-beam member 52 may be positionedwith its ends supported on shoulders 48 and 50 within the pocket duct. Aplurality of supporting grid members E, four of which are shown in FIG.5, may have one edge thereof received in opposite channels 54 and 56 ofI-beam 52. A portion of the opposite edges of grid members E aresupported on shoulders 44 and 46. Demister padding material F, such asopen mesh fabric of synthetic plastic material, may then be positionedon grid members E. A second I-beam 62 may then be positioned on top ofdemister padding F in alignment with I-beam 52. Additional grid membersE may then be added and have their edges supported within channelportions 64 and 66 of I-beam 62. Demister padding material E is theneffectively trapped between substantially rigid grid members E, andI-beam 52 and 62.

Base portion B has a peripheral flange 70 extending outwardly fromenlarged opening C. Peripheral flange 70 is of substantially the samewidth all around opening C. Second structural member D has a peripheralflange 72 extending outwardly from enlarged opening E. Peripheral flange72 includes opposite side portions 74 and 76 which are wider than otherportions of peripheral flange 72 and also wider than peripheral flange70. Peripheral flange 72 also has opposite peripheral portions 78 and 80which are wider than the remainder of peripheral flange 72 and alsowider than peripheral flange 70. The width of peripheral flanges 74 and76 is substantially the same as the width of peripheral flange 70 addedto the width of either shoulder 44 or 46. The width of peripheral flangeportions 78 and 80 is substantially the same as the width of peripheralflange 70 plus the width of either shoulder 48 or 50. With secondstructural member D assembled to base portion B, side peripheralportions 74 and 76 clamp against the outer upper surface portions ofgrid members E. Wider peripheral portions 78 and 80 clamp against theupper end surface portions of upper l-beam 62. This arrangement securelyclamps the assembled grid members, I- beams and demister padding withinthe pocket duct. With longitudinal axis 40 of outlet opening extendinghorizontal as shown in FIG. 1, side peripheral flange 76 of secondstructural member D will overlie shoulder 46 of base portion B. Withsecond structural member D reversely positioned so that longitudinalaxis of outlet opening 30 extends vertical, wide peripheral flangeportion 74 of second structural member D will overlie shoulder 44, whilewide peripheral flange portion 76 will overlie shoulder 46. Thesectional views shown in FIGS. 9-13 are shown without the channelmembers, grid members and demister padding in position within the pocketduct for clarity of illustration. Suitable holes may be provided throughperipheral flanges 70 and 72 for receiving bolts 84 to tightly clampperipheral flanges 70 and 72 together. Suitable gasketing material maybe placed between flanges 70 and 72 prior to securement thereof togetherif so desired. With a bolting arrangement, or other releasable fastenermeans, first and second structural members B and D may be taken apartafter fume washer A has been used to replace demister padding F or toclean the interior of fume washer A.

In accordance with the preferred arrangement, base portion B and secondduct member D are constructed in such a manner that when they areassembled as shown in FIG. 1 longitudinal axis 40 of outlet opening 30will be substantially coincidental with longitudinal axis 86 of inletopening 16. This arrangement achieves a very efficient air flow throughfume washer A. Outlet openingv 30 may be connected to the inlet ofacentrifugal fan while inlet opening 16 is connected to the source offumes. Operation of the centrifugal fan will draw air through inletopening 16 and out outlet opening 30 in the direction indicated by thearrows. With duct member D reversely positioned relative to base portionB so that plane 34 extends horizontal, longitudinal central axis 40 ofoutlet opening 30 will extend perpendicular to longitudinal central axis86 of inlet opening 16. In addition, enlarged openings C and E have acentral longitudinal axis 88 as shown in FIG. 2. Longitudinal axes 40and 86 are coincidental with one another and intersect axis 88 at apoint 90 which is substantially the midpoint of the pocket duct and themidpoint of demister padding F as measured between I- beams 52 and 62.With duct member D reversely positioned so that longitudinal centralaxis 40 of outlet opening 30 extends vertical, axis 40 will beperpendicular to axis 86 and will also intersect axis 86 at point 90.

In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1-13, it will be recognized from thedrawing that the outer surfaces of base portion B and duct member D aresomewhat polygonal in shape. That is, the outer surfaces are defined bya plurality of reversely positioned triangles of various sizes andshapes. The peripheral surfaces of ducts 14 and D are substantiallypolygonal, while inlet and outlet openings 16 and 30 are substantiallycircular. At the same time, enlarged openings C and E are polygonal.Formation of inlet and outletopenings 16 and 30 circular makes it easierto connect fume washer A to circular ducts during installation. Thepolygonal nature of the remaining surfaces of fume washer A reinforcesthe fume washer against deformation. forming enlarged openings C and Dpolygonal makes it possible to utilize somewhat rectangular grid memberswhich are easily trimmed along straight lines to fit within the pocketduct.

Peripheral wall 12 of base portion B includes a drain opening 92 locatedon the same side of base portion B as horizontal duct 14 and adjacentbase bottom wall 10. Peripheral wall 12 further includes an overflowopening 94 located on the same side of base portion 13 as horizontalduct 14 and positioned intermediate horizontal duct 14 and base bottomwall 10 above drain opening 92. Another opening 96 in peripheral wall 12is connected with suitable conduit 102 and pump 104 for recirculatingwater through spray nozzle means G which is directed against gridmembers E and demister padding F as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 2.Spray nozzle means G'is arranged to spray water over the entire surfaceof grid members E and demister padding F. Water drains back down intothe bottom of base portion B after having absorbed pollutants from theair stream flowing through fume washer A.

In accordance with another arrangement, the fume washer may havesomewhat circular and smooth outer surfaces rather than being polygonal.An arrangement of this type is shown in FIG. 14 wherein fume washer Hincludes a base portion l defining a first structural member and asecond duct member J defining a second structural member. Base portion 1includes a substantially horizontal bottom wall and a peripheral wallportion 112. A horizontal duct 114 extends outwardly from peripheralwall 122 and has an inlet opening 116 which includes a peripheral edge118 lying in a vertical plane 120. Base portion I has an enlargedopening 122 located opposite bottom wall 110 and opening 116. Enlargedopening 122 lies in a plane 124 which extends at 45 to vertical planeand to plane 126 in which bottom wall 110 lies. Base portion I has anoutwardly extending peripheral flange 128 adjacent enlarged opening 122.Suitable holes as at 130 may be provided in peripheral flange 128.Second structural member J includes an outlet opening 132 having aperipheral edge 134 lying in a plane 136 which extends at 45 to plane124. Second structural member .I has a peripheral wall 138 extendingoutwardly from enlarged opening 140. Suitable holes 142 may also beformed in peripheral flange 138. Enlarged openings 122 and are ofsubstantially the same size and shape. With the arrangement described,it will be recognized that second structural member J may be rotatedabout central axis 144 of enlarged openings 122 and 140 so that centrallongitudinal axis 146 of outlet opening 132 will extend verticallyrather than horizontally. Longitudinal axis 146 of outlet opening 132 ispreferably coincidental with longitudinal axis 148 of inlet opening 116when axis 146 is horizontal. Openings 116, 132, 122 and 140 are allcircular.

In accordance with a preferred arrangement, a novel grid member is usedwith the embodiment of FIG. 14

for supporting demister padding material. Grid member K includes acircular peripheral wall 150 having first and second peripheral edges152 and 154 respectively. A peripheral flange 156 extends radiallyoutward from first peripheral edge 152. A grid wall extends completelyacross second peripheral edge 154. The grid wall includes a plurality ofspaced-apart parallel ribs 158. A plurality of spaced-apart parallel tiebars 160 extend perpendicular to ribs 158 and interconnect ribs 158. Asshown in FIG. 19, ribs 158 have a substantially V-shaped cross-sectionalshape. Ribs 158 preferably have a height which is at least five timesthe height of tie bars 160. A plurality of holes 162 are provided inperipheral flange 156. The diameter of the outer peripheral edge offlange 156 is preferably substantially the same as the outer diameter ofperipheral flanges 128 and 138. A pair of dish-shaped grid members K arereversely positioned with demister padding F therebetween as shown inFIG. 15. Flanges 156 of the pair of grid members K are positionedbetween flanges 128 and 138. Suitable bolts may then be passed throughholes 130, 142 and 162 for releasably connecting second structuralmember J to base portion I with grid members K and demister padding Ftrapped therebetween. In the preferred arrangement, grid members K arepositioned with ribs 158 extending horizontally as shown in FIG. 14 sothat ribs 158 act as turning vanes which uniformly distribute the airflow through demister padding F. Outlet opening 132 may be connected tothe inlet ofa centrifugal blower for drawing polluted air through fumewasher H. Air flowing into inlet opening 116 strikes ribs 158 to forcethe air uniformly through demister padding F. Grid members K arepreferably molded in one-piece of synthetic plastic material.

Central longitudinal axis 144 of enlarged openings 122 and 140intersects midpoint 166 of demister padding F. In the preferredarrangement, central longitudinal axis 146 of outlet opening 132 iscoincidental with central longitudinal axis 148 of inlet opening 116 andalso passes substantially through midpoint 166. With centrallongitudinal axis 146 positioned vertically so as to be perpendicular tocentral longitudinal axis 148, axes 146 and 148 intersect substantiallyat point 166. The arrangement shown and described produces highlyefficient air flow and highly efficient removal of pollutants from theair stream flowing through fume washer H.

In a preferred arrangement, inlet and outlet openings 16 and 30 of fumewasher A have radially outward extending peripheral flanges 170 and 172for readily connecting other ducts to fume washer A. Likewise, inlet andoutlet openings 116 and 132 of fume washer H have radially outwardextending peripheral flanges 174 and 176 for easily connecting otherducting thereto.

In the preferred arrangement, both fume washers A and H are rotomoldedin one-piece of synthetic plastic material as shown in FIG. 21. Theone-piece hollow body shown in FIG. 21 represents fume washer H andthose skilled in the art will be aware that fume washer A may beconstructed in the same manner. A one-piece hollow body M is rotomoldedto the shape shown in FIG. 21. Hollow body M includes a cylindricalportion 180 which is cut through circumferentially along lines 182 and184 to separate hollow body M into first and second structural members Iand J. Hollow body M also includes a closed end wall 186 and acylindrical wall 188. Cylindrical wall 188 is cut throughcircumferentially along line 190 so that end wall 186 and cylindricalwall 188 may be removed. This then defines outlet opening 132 of fumewasher H. An additional circumferential cut may be made along line 192for trimming purposes to form flange 176. Hollow body M includes anotherend wall 196 and a cylindrical wall 198. Cylindrical wall 198 may becircumferentially cut along line 202 so that end wall 196 andcylindrical wall 198 may be removed to define inlet opening 116 of fumewasher H. An additional circumferential trimming cut may be made alongline 204 to define flange 174 of fume washer H.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainpreferred embodiments, it is obvious that alterations and modificationswill occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading andunderstanding of this specification. The present invention includes allsuch equivalent alterations and modifications and is limited only by thescope of the claims.

I claim:

1. A housing for a fume washer comprising; a hollow body of syntheticplastic material; said body including a hollow base portion defining afirst structural member having a substantially horizontal base bottomwall and an upwardly extending peripheral wall, a substantiallyhorizontal duct extending outwardly from said peripheral wall above saidbase bottom wall on one side of said base portion, said horizontal ductterminating in an inlet opening having a peripheral edge lying in asubstantially vertical first plane, said base portion including anenlarged opening opposite said duct and inlet opening, said enlargedopening having a peripheral edge lying in a second plane extending atsubstantially 45 to said vertical first plane and to said base bottomwall, said body including a second duct member defining a secondstructural member having an enlarged opening substantially symmetricalwith respect to said enlarged opening on said base portion, saidenlarged opening on said second duct member having a peripheral edgelying substantially in said second plane, said peripheral edge of saidenlarged opening of said second duct member being rotatable relative tosaid peripheral edge of said enlarged opening of said base portion aboutan axis perpendicular to said second plane, said second duct memberincluding an outlet opening having a peripheral edge lying in a thirdplane extending at substantially 45 with respect to said second plane,and said peripheral edge of said enlarged opening of said second ductmember being detachably connected to said peripheral edge of saidenlarged opening of said base portion, whereby said second duct membercan be selectively positioned relative to said base portion in a firstposition in which said third plane is parallel to said first plane andin a second position in which said third plane is perpendicular to saidfirst plane.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said inlet opening has a central axisand said outlet opening has a central axis, said central axes beingsubstantially coincidental when said second duct member is in said firstposition.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said enlarged openings in said firstand second structural members are polygonal and said inlet and outletopenings are circular.

4. The device of claim 1 and further including overflow and drainopenings formed in said peripheral wall of said base portion, said drainopening being positioned adjacent said base bottom wall and saidoverflow opening being positioned intermediate said horizontal duct andsaid base bottom wall.

5. The device of claim 1 comprising grid member having a circularperipheral wall having first and second peripheral edges, flange meansextending substantially radially outward from said first peripheraledge, a grid wall extending across said second peripheral edge, saidgrid wall including a plurality of spacedapart parallel ribs and aplurality of spaced-apart parallel tie bars extending perpendicular tosaid ribs and interconnecting said ribs, said ribs having asubstantially V-shaped cross-sectional shape and having a height atleast five times the height of said tie bars.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the correspondingstructural members includes a pocket duct adjacent said enlargedopening, said pocket duct including a peripheral duct wall having asubstantially uniform cross-sectional area and shape throughout itslength.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said pocket duct is formed only in saidbase portion, said peripheral edge of said enlarged opening on said baseportion defining one end edge of said pocket duct, the other end of saidpocket duct having a supporting shoulder projecting substantiallyradially inward therefrom.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein said pocket is formed in both said baseportion and said second duet member.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein said peripheral pocket duct wall has amidpoint and said enlarged openings have a central axis, said inlet andoutlet openings have central axes substantially coincidental with oneanother and intersecting said central axis of said enlarged openingsubstantially at said midpoint of said pocket duct wall when said secondduct member is in said first position.

10. The device of claim 1 and further including spaced-apart structuralsupporting grid means positioned in said body members adjacent saidenlarged openings, and demister pad means positioned between said gridmeans.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said peripheral edges of saidenlarged openings have flange means extending substantially radiallyoutward therefrom, said grid means including a pair of dished-shapedreversely positioned grid members having outwardly extending flangescontacting one another and being positioned between said flange meansextending substantially radially outward from said peripheral edges ofsaid enlarged openings.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said supporting grid members comprisea peripheral wall and a grid wall, said grid wall including a pluralityof spaced-apart parallel ribs, said ribs being connected by a pluralityof spaced-apart parallel tie bars extending substantially perpendicularto said ribs, said ribs projecting outwardly from said grid wall.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein said grid members are positioned withsaid ribs extending substantially horizontal.

1. A housing for a fume washer comprising; a hollow body of syntheticplastic material; said body including a hollow base portion defining afirst structural member having a substantially horizontal base bottomwall and an upwardly extending peripheral wall, a substantiallyhorizontal duct extending outwardly from said peripheral wall above saidbase bottom wall on one side of said base portion, said horizontal ductterminating in an inlet opening having a peripheral edge lying in asubstantially vertical first plane, said base portion including anenlarged opening opposite said duct and inlet opening, said enlargedopening having a peripheral edge lying in a second plane extending atsubstantially 45* to said vertical first plane and to said base bottomwall, said body including a second duct member defining a secondstructural member having an enlarged opening substantially symmetricalwith respect to said enlarged opening on said base portion, saidenlarged opening on said second duct member having a peripheral edgelying substantially in said second plane, said peripheral edge of saidenlarged opening of said second duct member being rotatable relative tosaid peripheral edge of said enlarged opening of said base portion aboutan axis perpendicular to said second plane, said second duct memberincluding an outlet opening having a peripheral edge lying in a thirdplane extending at substantially 45* with respect to said second plane,and said peripheral edge of said enlarged opening of said second ductmember being detachably connected to said peripheral edge of saidenlarged opening of said base portion, whereby said second duct membercan be selectively positioned relative to said base portion in a firstposition iN which said third plane is parallel to said first plane andin a second position in which said third plane is perpendicular to saidfirst plane.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said inlet opening has acentral axis and said outlet opening has a central axis, said centralaxes being substantially coincidental when said second duct member is insaid first position.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein said enlargedopenings in said first and second structural members are polygonal andsaid inlet and outlet openings are circular.
 4. The device of claim 1and further including over-flow and drain openings formed in saidperipheral wall of said base portion, said drain opening beingpositioned adjacent said base bottom wall and said overflow openingbeing positioned intermediate said horizontal duct and said base bottomwall.
 5. The device of claim 1 comprising grid member having a circularperipheral wall having first and second peripheral edges, flange meansextending substantially radially outward from said first peripheraledge, a grid wall extending across said second peripheral edge, saidgrid wall including a plurality of spaced-apart parallel ribs and aplurality of spaced-apart parallel tie bars extending perpendicular tosaid ribs and interconnecting said ribs, said ribs having asubstantially V-shaped cross-sectional shape and having a height atleast five times the height of said tie bars.
 6. The device of claim 1wherein at least one of the corresponding structural members includes apocket duct adjacent said enlarged opening, said pocket duct including aperipheral duct wall having a substantially uniform cross-sectional areaand shape throughout its length.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein saidpocket duct is formed only in said base portion, said peripheral edge ofsaid enlarged opening on said base portion defining one end edge of saidpocket duct, the other end of said pocket duct having a supportingshoulder projecting substantially radially inward therefrom.
 8. Thedevice of claim 6 wherein said pocket is formed in both said baseportion and said second duct member.
 9. The device of claim 6 whereinsaid peripheral pocket duct wall has a midpoint and said enlargedopenings have a central axis, said inlet and outlet openings havecentral axes substantially coincidental with one another andintersecting said central axis of said enlarged opening substantially atsaid midpoint of said pocket duct wall when said second duct member isin said first position.
 10. The device of claim 1 and further includingspaced-apart structural supporting grid means positioned in said bodymembers adjacent said enlarged openings, and demister pad meanspositioned between said grid means.
 11. The device of claim 10 whereinsaid peripheral edges of said enlarged openings have flange meansextending substantially radially outward therefrom, said grid meansincluding a pair of dished-shaped reversely positioned grid membershaving outwardly extending flanges contacting one another and beingpositioned between said flange means extending substantially radiallyoutward from said peripheral edges of said enlarged openings.
 12. Thedevice of claim 11 wherein said supporting grid members comprise aperipheral wall and a grid wall, said grid wall including a plurality ofspaced-apart parallel ribs, said ribs being connected by a plurality ofspaced-apart parallel tie bars extending substantially perpendicular tosaid ribs, said ribs projecting outwardly from said grid wall.
 13. Thedevice of claim 12 wherein said grid members are positioned with saidribs extending substantially horizontal.